Aiden: Yes.
I glance up to find him watching me from two tables down. The fire from my cheeks burns a path down to my belly, then to between my thighs. The man hasn’t laid a finger on me, and I’m melting from the inside out.
Joseph climbs into the seat in front of me. He’s cocky and cute in a doofus sort of way but keeps checking out the other women. And he reminds me too much of William so I stamp “no” on his forehead before he utters one word.
As Joseph drones on about his “beemer,” I fantasize about Aiden. I can feel his eyes on me without even checking. So I touch my lips once again to see what happens. I didn’t realize I was still clutching my phone in my lap until it vibrates.
Aiden: Is that all?
I don’t answer. Instead, I pretend to be interested in Joseph. I remove my shawl, lean in, then touch my neck, run my fingers down to my cleavage. I can’t figure out what is going on, but I haven’t been this hot for a guy in years. Not even when William and I first dated. Yeah, I’d had a drink, a double for that matter, but still, I was saying and doing things I wouldn’t normally consider. And for a man I haven’t spoken to yet either.
Aiden: Anywhere else?
Joseph asks me questions I barely realize I’m answering. I think I reply “Aiden” when he asks what I like to do for fun. I peek over at Aiden to find him staring. He winks and I play it off with a hair flip. Then I bring my hand slowly down into my lap where he can’t see it. A moment later a text comes.
Aiden: Is that where I think it is?
Looking at Joseph, I nod once. The bell sounds and Joseph rises. When everyone shifts, I lose sight of Aiden. When we’re all seated, one woman sits alone. I swing my head from side to side. What the hell happened to him?
4
Kelsey and I dart from the event, leaving our forms empty. Aiden bailed so I didn’t see the point. I can’t help wonder if he was screwing with me. He has my number so time will tell.
“I need a drink after that snooze fest,” Kelsey says as we walk back to the bar. “Kelsey was not digging that scene.”
“Ya think?”
As soon as we enter, I scan the room for Aiden. Why am I so focused on him when I have scores of men to choose from?
“Come on.” Kelsey grabs my hand and pulls me toward a long high-top table at the back, where a large group has gathered. Shots line the table and as we approach, a tall blond guy hands one to each of us as if we are part of the group. Then he takes Kelsey by the shoulders and shoves her between two random people lined up at the table. He does the same to me and I comply even as I’m thinking this isn’t the smartest thing.
“Get ready!” a girl across the table shouts.
I eye Kelsey because I don’t know what the hell we just walked into. Everyone is staring at the girl holding her shot up. When she downs it, she turns to the guy to her right and kisses him on the lips. Then he downs his shot, turns to his right and kisses the girl next to him. Kelsey and I exchange another look. Only hers is the opposite of my horror. I start to back away and she glares at me. I guess we’re doing this.
As the kisses and shots go around the table, I wonder if this singles week is a “swingers” week. Yet, the kisses are tame, playful, and a couple of people do a kiss on the cheek. When the guy next to me shoots, I decide to stop being a prude. He gives me a peck, fiery whiskey on his breath. I laugh and shoot mine, turning to the redheaded dude on my right and pecking him on the lips. Kelsey takes his quick kiss and after slamming her shot, grabs the guy next to her and devours his mouth. Whoops and hollers race around the table.
My phone vibrates/dings in my purse as more shots are delivered. I sneak away from the table, seeing that Kelsey is having too much fun to notice.
Aiden: Should I be jealous?
I can’t fight my smile as I glance around and look for him, but I don’t see him anywhere.
I’m just about to type a reply when another text comes.
Aiden: Lose the frat boys and meet me on the fourth floor terrace.
Just in case, I shoot Kelsey a text saying I’m going to walk a bit and get some air, then make my way up and over to the terrace. My pulse races, thinking of Aiden waiting for me and finally hearing his voice.
But when I arrive on the balcony, he’s not there. This guy better not be messing with me. Somehow I know he’s not, so I toss the doubt away and wait. After a few minutes, I send a text.
Me: On the terrace…
I look out over the garden, dim lighting showcasing lush trees spotting a path that winds around the property. My mind wanders, trying to figure out what kind of man Aiden is. He seems smart, confident, and not a singles week guy. Then again, I didn’t think I was.
I check the time and huff. I put my phone back in my purse, telling myself if he’s not here in one minute, I’m leaving, then deleting his contact. “This is freaking ridiculous,” I mutter under my breath, humiliation turning to anger as I spin to stomp away.
I gasp when I slam right into Aiden, my eyes traveling up to meet his just before he grabs me by the waist with one hand and pulls me hard against his body. Our eyes lock in a heated stare. His other hand snakes under my hair, behind my neck, and pulls me in, guiding my lips slowly to his mouth. His kiss isn’t greedy or desperate. It’s soft and pressing, an invitation, one I wholeheartedly accept by parting my lips, letting his tongue slide over mine. I wrap my arms around his neck and melt into his hold as our lips touch and brush against each other like two lovers getting reacquainted. How could this man’s touch, his kiss, take me to a place I’ve never been before?